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[Grand mal series and status using high-dose theophylline medication]
Fortschritte Der Medizin
|March 10, 1989
Summary
High-dose theophylline can cause severe seizures in patients with bronchial asthma. Neurotoxicity from theophylline, potentially worsened by beta-sympathomimetics, is the likely cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Theophylline is a common medication for managing bronchial asthma.
- High doses are sometimes prescribed to achieve therapeutic effects.
Observation:
- Two female patients, aged 22 and 50, presented with severe grand-mal seizures.
- Both patients were receiving high-dose theophylline (750-1,500 mg/day) for bronchial asthma.
Findings:
- Extensive neurophysiological and neuroradiological evaluations found no cerebral lesions or prior epilepsy history.
- The seizures were attributed to the neurotoxic effects of high-dose theophylline, possibly exacerbated by beta-sympathomimetics in one case.
Implications:
- This highlights the critical neurotoxic potential of high-dose theophylline.
- Clinicians should be vigilant for seizure activity in patients on high-dose theophylline, especially when combined with other medications.